When it comes to United States Coast Guard (USCG) vessel documentation, many owners know to focus on their vessel’s name, ownership, and registration status. However, another important and often overlooked element is the hail port, also known as the “hailing port.” This is the U.S. city and state listed on a documented vessel’s stern, displayed…
When a boat changes hands, the bill of sale is more than just a receipt. It’s a legal document that outlines what was sold, the conditions of the sale, and who is now responsible for the vessel and its components. For those looking to include a boat motor in a bill of sale, the stakes…
Choosing a boat name is more than formality—it reflects a vessel owner’s identity, heritage, personal story, and deep pride. But what happens when that name no longer fits? Whether rebranding, honoring change, or starting fresh, now may be the right time to change name of boat. We can help. Here at the National Documentation Portal,…
Here at the National Documentation Portal, we’re always glad to answer questions about boats, boat documentation, that kind of thing. One of the most commonly asked questions we hear is: “What’s the difference between a boat and ship?” While the terms are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, there are specific distinctions between them—distinctions rooted…
Ownership changes for documented vessels involve more than just handing over keys or signing a bill of sale. To ensure that these changes are legally recognized by the United States Coast Guard (USCG), a specific form must be completed: CG 1258. This form is used for the official Transfer/Exchange of Certificate of Documentation, and it…
Every documented vessel in the United States is issued a Certificate of Documentation by the U.S. Coast Guard, verifying its nationality, ownership, and eligibility for certain activities. However, compliance isn’t permanent. For most vessel owners, the Certificate of Documentation must be renewed annually using what is formally known as the CG-1280 form. At the National…
A boat’s history and legal standing can be challenging to find. Whether you’re researching a vessel before purchasing or verifying the status of your own, beginning with a boat serial number lookup is a smart move. At the National Documentation Portal, we offer a direct, easy-to-use resource for accessing the U.S. Coast Guard’s database of…
Discovering a boat’s history can begin with just one piece of information: the Hull Identification Number, or HIN. With this unique number, it’s possible to uncover valuable data tied to a vessel’s status and background. At the National Documentation Portal, we offer a straightforward way to access a boat lookup by hull number. Our portal…
Many vessel owners in the Sunshine State begin their journey by learning about Florida boat registrations—and understandably so. Registering a boat with the state is a necessary step for many recreational vessels operating in Florida waters. You may need to document your vessel federally with the USCG if it meets certain size or usage criteria….
Selling or buying a boat can be a complex process, especially so (and perhaps surprisingly so), when the sale is “as is.” An “as is bill of sale for a boat” carries specific implications for both the buyer and the seller, and understanding how to draft one correctly is important. At the National Documentation Portal,…